Outdoor Mama to relaxed Mama – JD Williams review

I had a request to review some outdoor clothing from JD Williams, something I’m very happy to do as I’m always keen to know good options that help us get outdoors easily and comfortably. Being comfortable and happy outside gives us a better experience – keeping us WILD, HAPPY, and WELL! I chose a good quality jacket and a pair of comfy joggers – both of which I could foresee getting a lot of use out of.

Archie and I enjoying a walk at our local National Trust property, Tyntesfield. Me enjoying my Snowdonia 3-in-1 jacket! How nicely does it go with my gorgeous Joules wellies?

Snowdonia 3-in-1 jacket, in cobalt

I chose this because I was considering buying something like this anyway, so the approach was actually extremely well timed for me (thank you, JD Williams)! I already have a thick winter coat (by Berghaus, I adore it) but this is often too warm, especially when I’m taking little Archie out. Running around after him, carrying him, etc, always seems to keep me pretty warm. So I wanted something a bit more light-weight but that was still waterproof and versatile. My Berghaus coat is quite smart too so I wanted something I felt good in down town as well as in a forest or up a hill. I also needed one that came down below my bottom, to keep warm the bits that ALWAYS get cold! As a Mama: pockets, pockets, pockets! Enough said. The Snowdonia 3-in-1 jacket appeared to fit the bill perfectly!

There are multiple options on the JD Williams website for different colours, all the same price (£85). I went for cobalt as being a dark brunette, bright blue suits me and I love bright colours 🙂 It’s great as it has a removable fleece jacket that attaches inside a waterproof outer layer, both with zips and pockets. Ahh the pockets… zipped pockets in the outer waterproof layer plus a handy zipped breast pocket, pockets in the fleece (although not zippy). These include handy waist-level inner pockets for stuffing tissues, pinecones (from the toddler…), etc. The inner fleece easily unzips to be removed. It’s held in place by zips with the outer layer plus poppers on loops at the cuffs to hold the sleeves in place. This bit kind of works but the fleece sleeves do have a tendency to come out further than the waterproof layer and I quite often find myself fumbling with hands stuck half in-half out…a bit annoying but not a deal-breaker.

Size-wise, I ordered a 10 as that’s my usual. As I wanted this for light wear I figured I wouldn’t be wearing big jumpers underneath so didn’t need to consider a larger size. This works well – there’s definitely no room for a thick jumper underneath (ahem!) and especially so on the arms. My arms aren’t skinny but they’re certainly not well-built and the sleeves are fairly snug. The jacket fits well and has a nice line: what with the slender sleeves and the drawstring waist, I feel confident that I look a good shape 🙂

There’s no fun like snow fun!

Here’s the product description from the website:

This jacket features two jackets in one and lots more! With an outer waterproof coated membrane to keep you dry, and a detachable fleece inner – if you’re too warm, just remove! Internal drawcord for getting a comfortable shape and adjustable cuffs for additional protection. Peaked hood with drawcords to adjust. This coat has it all!

Value straight-leg joggers, in black

I adore my slouchy, comfy joggers… most nights when I get home from work I’m straight into these to mooch around the house, play and snuggle with Archie, and chill on the sofa before bed. I’m also a keen yogi so need a steady supply of trousers like this on hand. I got these as, honestly, I wanted to test out whether a cheap option would be any good.

These are only £14 so a snip, and I’m happy to say they are great, if you want stretchy, comfy joggers with a neat waistband. They are fairly wide-legged, more so than I expected, and they’re generally larger than I’d anticipated – again I ordered a size 10 but these are more like a 12, compared to the sizing of the Snowdonia jacket. This isn’t a problem though, they’re extremely comfortable and I happily yoga in them but they’re not as flattering as I’d expected.

I’ll admit I haven’t worn these outdoors yet but it has been rather chilly out there since I got these, so that’s hardly surprising! However, as they are just sooo comfortable, I can see myself wearing them for yoga in the garden or forest walks with Archie when the weather warms. They’re so cheap and simple fabric, I don’t mind getting them dirty and they wash well.

Snapped having a cheeky cuppa on the deck in my super comfy joggers!

Here’s the product description from the website:

These straight-leg jogging bottoms are perfect to wear around the house. Designed with a flat-fronted waistband for extra comfort, the comfortable fabric makes these ideal for your leisurewear wardrobe. Available in multiple lengths and colours, there is something to suit your every need!